How will the Honors College facilitate interdisciplinary interaction among members?
One of the most compelling parts of the Honors College is that it brings top students and faculty from across the liberal arts and professional schools of the New Brunswick campuses into one living and learning community. In that environment, students can interact with one another both in their social and residential experience and in their academic lives, taking common coursework and participating in classes on site in the seminar rooms in the facility. Seminars, especially, are interdisciplinary by design, engaging students from multiple disciplines in cross-cutting knowledge and research. In addition, from their first year forward, all Honors College students have access to on-site Honors College specific programming, including arts and musical performances and social events with faculty, and special trips to area museums, exhibits, and lectures.
Can I be a member of Douglass Residential College as an Honors College student?
Yes. Honors College women may also be a part of Douglass Residential College (DRC). Students who participate in both programs will experience additional benefits from their engagement while also completing the requirements of both programs. You can enroll with the Douglass Residential College.
What is the curriculum at the Honors College?
The Honors curriculum includes an Honors Mission-based course, Byrne Seminars, departmental honors courses, an Interdisciplinary Honors Seminar, at least one course focused on global/cultural perspectives, and community engagement. For students who opt to do a Capstone Project, it also includes two courses and a 200-hour project. Details on each of these elements can be found here: https://honorscollege.rutgers.edu/academics/curriculum.
What are the options for an Honors College mission course?
There are five different Honors Mission-based Courses. Honors Colloquium is open to all, but intended for students in SAS and EMSOP. The Business of Everything is required for RBS students but is also open to any Honors College student. The SEBS Readings in Biology, a requirement for SEBS students also has open sections for any student, and is sometimes a perfect choice for EMSOP students. The IDEAS course is required and restricted to students in the School of Engineering. And the same goes for Interplay, which is required and restricted to MGSA students.
How will participation in the Honors College be noted on my diploma?
Students who complete all Honors College requirements will have the designation Honors College Scholar (no Capstone) or Honors College Scholar with Distinction on their diplomas and transcripts.
Can I take summer classes as an incoming HC student?
We do not recommend taking summer courses before arriving as a first-year student.
How do I participate in New Student Orientation?
All Honors College students are strongly encouraged to participate in New Student Orientation. Your School will send you guidance on which session(s) are right for an Honors College student that fits your schedule. If you have difficulty scheduling your session, please contact the Orientation & Transition Team or visit this page: https://transition.rutgers.edu/fyorientation.
What if I cannot attend New Student Orientation?
We understand that not every student is able to attend a New Student Orientation session. Email the Orientation & Transition Team for next steps. You will receive follow up from your academic school regarding course scheduling.
When and how do I create my course schedule?
You will be working on creating your own schedule during your New Student Orientation (with the exception of students enrolled in the Mason Gross School of the Arts and Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy), which will take into account your interests, placement test results, and other factors. For students enrolled in the Mason Gross School of the Arts and Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, your academic school advisors will be working this summer to create your tentative schedule, incorporating all that you've achieved in high school as well as your placement testing results and other important information they need to make your first semester schedule.
Are there courses that are only for Honors College students?
Yes, there are multiple types of special courses for Honors College students. Honors Mission-based Courses and Interdisciplinary Honors Seminars invite you to think about complex problems and issues beyond traditional disciplinary trajectories with dynamic faculty and fellow honors students. Many departments offer honors-designated courses that promote scholarly inquiry while contributing to majors, minors, and core curricula. For a truly unique experience, we also offer +Honors Contract Courses where you work with a faculty member to create the dimensions of the honors experience. Finally, Honors College students have the opportunity to undertake a major Capstone Project over their final two semesters.